When should you not give PROCRIT?
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Do not use PROCRIT that has been frozen. Throw away multiple-dose vials of PROCRIT no later than 21 days from the first day that you put a needle into the vial. Single-dose vials of PROCRIT should be used only one time. Throw the vial away after use even if there is medicine left in the vial.
Does PROCRIT increase red blood cells?

PROCRIT® works like EPO — it causes your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This, in turn, raises your level of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Increasing your hemoglobin level may lessen the need for a blood transfusion.
Who should not take PROCRIT?
Do not take PROCRIT® if you: Have cancer and have not been counseled by your healthcare provider about treatment with PROCRIT®. Have high blood pressure that is not controlled (uncontrolled hypertension).
What should you check before administering epoetin alfa?
Monitoring and Testing While Taking Epoetin Alfa You will be monitored regularly by your doctor while you are taking epoetin alfa. Tests will include blood tests (specifically hemoglobin and hematocrit) and blood pressure measurements.

What Hg level should erythropoietin be held at?
With erythropoietin treatment, the goal is a hemoglobin level of 10-12 g/dL, as normalization of hemoglobin in patients with CKD stages 4-5 has been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Before starting erythropoietin, patients should have their iron stores checked.
What is erythropoietin injection?
Descriptions. Epoetin injection is a man-made version of human erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is produced naturally in the body, mostly by the kidneys. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the body does not produce enough EPO, severe anemia can occur.
How long does erythropoietin take to work?
When epoetin begins to work, usually in about 6 weeks, most people start to feel better. Some people are able to be more active. However, epoetin only corrects anemia. It has no effect on kidney disease, cancer, or any other medical problem that needs regular medical attention.
Does PROCRIT cause shortness of breath?
Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes.
When do you give erythropoietin to CKD?
Therefore EPO supplementation is indicated in patients with CKD who manifest anemia. In the absence of other causes, anemia due to EPO deficiency is often normocytic and normochromic, implying a reduction in number but not quality of these cells.
What is the black box warning for erythropoietin?
March 12, 2007 — A black-box warning has been added to the safety labeling for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to advise of the increased risk for death and other serious adverse events associated with their use in patients with cancer and renal failure, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Friday.
What is Procrit?
What is PROCRIT? PROCRIT is a man-made form of the protein human erythropoietin that is given to reduce or avoid the need for red blood cell transfusions. PROCRIT stimulates your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Having more red blood cells raises your hemoglobin level.
What is the potency of Procrit® epoetin alfa?
PROCRIT® EPOETIN ALFA – 3,000 Units/mL – For Intravenous or Subcutaneous Use Only – Sterile Solution — No Discard unused portion. guide is required for each patient. (0.06 mg) in Water for Injection, USP. No U.S. standard of potency. 4,000 Units/mL – NDC 59676-304-01 – 6-1 mL Single-dose vials – Discard unused portion.
How is Procrit used to treat anemia?
PROCRIT may be used to treat a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia) if it is caused by: • Chronic kidney disease (you may or may not be on dialysis). • Chemotherapy that will be used for at least two months after starting PROCRIT. • A medicine called zidovudine (AZT) used to treat HIV infection.
How much Procrit should I take for high hemoglobin?
If the hemoglobin level exceeds 10 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of PROCRIT, and use the lowest dose of PROCRIT sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions. The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.